It does not matter if I attend a party, go to lunch with a friend, or spend time with people I love. When it ends, I get depressed and want more. I usually can live for a short while “in the moment” with memories – but then it ends. And then I am sad – so sad, sometimes even depressed if I realize that the experience will not or cannot be repeated soon.
Over the last few months, it has been an occasional dinner, meeting new people, or just a good conversation with a friend. But this last weekend, I had a visit from “family.” This was not my biological family; it was the family that was “chosen” a long time ago.
I worked with a young woman many years ago, and she could have been my daughter. Our interests were the same and we enjoyed a “family” like friendship. Our lives changed over the years - marriages, divorces, moves to other states, etc. But we kept in touch.
Last weekend she visited me and brought her adorable daughter. I have seen pictures over the years, and Facebook has really helped me keep in touch even more; but the personal visit was wonderful. It was like we had been together just a few weeks ago, instead of many years. Friends like that are so special.
I had a wonderful time – my “family” was here. I was content, happy, and satisfied. And then they continued on their visit to family (blood family) and I went back to my routine. Oh, how I missed them. I was restless, discontent, out of sorts, you name it. But the I got a text message from them saying that they had enjoyed the visit with me so much, that they want to do it again.
We are going to meet halfway (she lives in Pendleton, IN, and of course, I am in Florida). So far, the plans are for October during her daughter’s fall school break. I have hope and I feel better, planning for this.
My point is that as we grow older, we still need something to look forward to, even if our future is much shorter. Having something pleasant on the horizon can make life so much happier and less of an endurance when we age. Our health will improve and we will improve.